June 15, 2022
Okayama University has functioned as a program site for the Critical
Language Scholarship (CLS) program since 2019 and offers an intensive
study course focusing on Japanese language and culture to outstanding
university and graduate students from the US who have been selected by
the US Department of State. Due to the ongoing global impact of the
coronavirus pandemic, students are not able to travel to Japan for the
program; however, for an eight-week period from June 14 to August 6,
Okayama University will host an online language course for 23 students
from the United States.
The summer course’s opening ceremony was held online on June 10 via a
videoconferencing application connecting the university, American
representatives, and participating students. In his opening remarks,
President MAKINO Hirofumi introduced the Zen proverb “Juju Mujin no En”,
saying “Everything you do now will eventually bear fruit, and
everything is connected by fate. I hope that your participation in the
CLS program will be a starting point for you, and that it will lead you
to a bright future and bear fruit in various ways”. Then, CLS students
were introduced to Okayama University personnel and asked to give a
brief self-introduction. Afterwards, CLS program alumni David Anderson
(AY2019 participant), who is currently enrolled in Okayama University,
and Natalie Montecino (AY2020 participant), who will study at Okayama
University from September of this year, encouraged the 2022 summer
course participants, stating “Do your best to study Japanese and cherish
the relationships that you build with other participants and those you
meet through the program”.
Apart from online language classes, the CLS online program also provides
opportunities for students to interact with language partners from
Okayama University. Additionally, under the theme of the SDGs, students
can participate in live sessions and virtual experiences, including
joint classes at Okayama University, an introduction to Yakage Town and
kagura (traditional dance) in an interactive online session with
students from Yakage High School, online activities hosted by Kyoyama
Community Center, and a virtual tea ceremony led by a tea ceremony
master.
● CLS program
The CLS program is a US Department of State initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to become proficient in one of 15 languages, including Russian and Chinese, which have been recognized as critical to America’s national security and economic prosperity. Domestic acceptance to the program began in 2010, and the program is run by the American Councils for International Education, a US non-profit organization specializing in international education and exchange.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿